Brain Healthy Tips

The Heart Brain Connection

You hear it all the time...if it’s good for your heart, it’s good for your brain!  Well, if you need more evidence, a new report by the Global Council on Brain Health from February 2020 validates that “heart/brain” connection”.  Here’s the latest thinking from doctors, scientists, and policymakers from around the world:

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Practical brain health tips for individuals include:

1.) Do you have a baseline assessment? 

It’s probably a good idea.  Talk to your doctor about ways to support and optimize your brain health throughout your life.

How can a memory screening benefit you and your loved one?

 

2.) Get moving. 

Target a minimum of 150 minutes of moderately intense aerobic activity to get your heart pumping. Add two or more days of muscle-strengthening activities every week. You don’t have to train for a marathon to get big benefits from exercise.

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3.) Check your blood pressure.

When should you worry?  If your blood pressure is higher than 130/80, you’ll want to check with your healthcare provider about what you can change in your diet or other ways to lower it. 

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4.) Know your cholesterol levels and check regularly. 

If you don't already know what cholesterol is, check out this link to learn more about it from the American Heart Association. If you don't know your cholesterol levels or how to check them regularly, this is something you can chat about with your trusted provider or pharmacist to create a plan to begin preventively monitoring.

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5.) Know the signs and symptoms of a stroke.

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The Centers for Disease Control has a great list of signs and symptoms of a stroke. You can learn more about strokes from our friends at the American Stroke Association.

Know the Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke!

 

6.) Know your usual  heart rate.

What’s typical for you?  Contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or if you have an unusual or irregular heartbeat.

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7.) Check labels on everything, but especially prepared and packaged foods. 

Look for things like added salt and limit your intake.

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8.) Limit alcohol.   

No more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men.

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9.) Don’t smoke.

If you  do smoke, quit. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.

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10.) Rest Well. 

Aim for 7 – 8 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period.

Source: USAgainstAlzheimers.org